top of page
Search

Finding Your Comedic Voice

LV Ditchkus

While most of my novels and short stories contain elements that (I’ve heard) can elicit a smile or an occasional audible guffaw, I’ve never written a comedic short story.


A while back, I decided to take a break from my often dramatic and sometimes tragic story structures. How hard could it be to write a comedy? Well . . . based on the mountain of feedback I’ve received on my early drafts, breaking into a new structure is enormously challenging.


After a few failed attempts to garner belly laughs from my raw talent, I dove into research. Sources say that writing comedy takes:


Wit, Timing, and Relatability


I kept these points handy when scrutinizing comedy skits on the internet, in podcasts, and on TV. After a while, I saw how comedians embraced these essential elements. Despite the commonalities, the comics' routines significantly differed from each other. Some relied entirely on satire, parody, or self-deprecating lines—alternatively, a few combined these literary devices instead of sticking to one method.


I went back to the drawing board.


After completing my next draft, which I decided was outrageously comical, I shared it with a few trusted beta readers. Unanimously, they agreed it lacked humor.


Ugh


When I asked for suggestions on enhancing humor, most readers pointed out where I could ramp up bizarre situations and silly actions. In other words, they wanted to see more slapstick in my work. Sadly, that type of humor is one of my least favorites. If I don’t find clowning behaviors amusing, how could I succeed in that type of writing?


After concluding that I didn’t want to write stuff I wouldn’t read, I considered what type of humor made me laugh out loud. Hands down, Bill Bryson came to mind. He uses humor that speaks to me. His Walk in the Woods had tears running down my cheeks. So I trotted off to the library to check out a half dozen of Mr. Bryson’s books. His work is magical. He converts the mundane (like science and history) by peppering sarcasm over his words like Dunkin sprinkles powdered sugar over a chocolate donut—in both cases, a master takes simple ingredients and transforms them into something exquisite.


I’ve revised my story (again) by channeling my inner Bryson, crafting anecdotes and surprising facts to enhance my story. I’m not sure if the finished short story will be funny. But I’m having a great time, challenging my skill set and learning something new.


Lesson learned?


When approaching a new literary technique, take it very seriously—it’s going to take a lot of time an effort. Also, consider which authors you enjoy reading in that genre. Let their works influence how you want your muse to speak.


14 views0 comments

Recent Posts

See All

Comments


FOLLOW ME

  • Facebook Social Icon
  • Twitter Social Icon

© 2019 by Linda Ditchus. Proudly created with Wix.com

bottom of page